First Look: The Dreamland Chronicles

As we reported a few days ago, the Maryland-based publisher Bethesda Softworks has proudly announced that it will publish its first PlayStation 2 title, The Dreamland Chronicles: Freedom Ridge in conjunction with developer Mythos Games. This is significant for strategy-based RPG fans, as Dreamland promises to play like another classic Mythos title, X-Com.

Mythos, the renowned UK-based studio responsible for classic titles such as X-COM and Magic & Mayhem, promises that The Dreamland Chronicles features a story that is very similar to a possible sequel to X-Com. And in fact may be, a bit of an unofficial side story.

Set in the near future, Freedom Ridge uses themes from classic science fiction and modern UFO conspiracy theories to create an enthralling backdrop for the gameplay. After a devastating 70-day war against alien invaders the human race finds itself on the brink of extinction. With the military forces and governments of the world in ruins, the player commands humanity's last hope -- a resistance force known as the Terran Liberation Army. Starting with a meager supply of captured weapons and technology the player must drive back the invaders and free the Earth from alien domination.

Users will be able to take part in this deep, involving plot and uncover the truth about Area 51, alien abductions, and the mysterious Men in Black. In order to accomplish this, players must create new bases to supply forces, protect civilians, and fight for every resource needed.

The game takes place in the third-and first-person perspectives, and promises to be a huge, complex strategy. And according to our sources; Freedom Ridge is planned for a Q4 2000 ship date -- so it's going to be coming later this year. Check back with us for more in the coming months.